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POLITICS: More Fun In The Philippines

Warning: As most of you (or my friends) know, politics has never been something I am interested in dwelling in and talking about. I’m a light blogger; my communication blog covering, so far, the most serious topics I can discuss. But as the 2013 Philippine Senatorial Election’s about to happen in two days time, I believe I have the responsibility to take on a more serious approach to this national concern. Hence, this blog post.

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If politics was part of a seven-course meal, it’d be the appetizer – spicing things up and preparing your taste buds for the main course: governance and service.

But it’s pointless comparing Philippine politics to a seven-course meal, when most of the Filipinos can’t even afford a simple, decent and healthy meal. And come to think of it, a hearty & healthy dinner can do even without the appetizer. In short, politics is just the icing to the cake of governance and service.

And as superficial as it might seem, politics say a lot about the type of governance and service a candidate/politician can offer to the country. Philippines, for one, probably has one of the most interesting politics in the world.

HMM, K. #1:LITERAL TRANSLATIONS

Would it be better if he gave away real and edible bunches of pechay?

Remember this? Mr. Prospero Pichay ran for the 2007 senatorial elections. Although he wasn’t able to make it to the top 12, his intensive and repetitive campaign message made him instantly famous among Filipinos. I’d have to commend whoever thought of this campaign slogan. Great advertisement recall.

HMM, K. #2: SYMBOLISMS

I respect Ms. Risa Hontiveros for the numerous women and children-focused advocacies she is involved in. But, really? Turning her signature scarf to something that strikes away corruption like how someone strikes a mosquito? HAHA. You gotta be kidding. You can do better than that.

HMM, K. # 3: LEGACY OF SURNAMES

Uuh, okay POE.

Covering up inexperience with the legacy of their fathers? Uhumm. This, I’ve learned, that I shouldn’t trust national governance with the candidates’ character alone. And what legacy are you talking about here?

HMM, K. #4: SOUNDS LIKE

There’s this one campaign poster we spotted last month, which made my friends and I laugh so hard. The candidate’s slogan was: “Tanging Gina,” pegging the famous Filipino movie, Tanging Ina. Miss a few letters when pronouncing that, and someone might think you’re already cursing him/her.

HMM, K. #5: HECKLERS

First of all, Manila belongs to none of them. Manila belongs to the people. I don’t know if this is media’s fault for posting such kind of question for an electoral debate, but still, a wise person should know better than to pin-point each and every fault of their opponent. Such act is pointless, and makes both of them and the rest of the government, look hilarious. You can go talk and talk, but where’s the action?

Heckling is present even in university elections. They annoy readers & embarrass candidates by posing questions that reveal their “hidden” characters and agendas. The revelation part is a good thing, but heckling has the tendency to become a loud & blurry noise of senseless discussions.

The condition of the Philippine government is not a one-man show. It does not merely rely on those who run it, but mostly on those who put these individuals in their positions – the media, the organizations and institutions, and the Filipino people.

We must understand that we are free individuals endowed with the right to vote and to think for ourselves. Whether or not we let media and organizations influence our decisions is up to ourselves.